A huge blaze has broken out at a Primark store in a historic building in the middle of Belfast.
Flames were seen shooting out from the roof of the 233 year-old Bank Buildings, which has recently undergone a £30million refurbishment.
Shoppers and staff were evacuated from the five-story building, which was bombed three times during the Troubles, at around 11am on Tuesday.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service is currently in attendance, with 11 fire engines rushed to the scene.
A huge blaze has broken out at a Primark store in a historic building in the middle of Belfast
The Bank Buildings iconic clock is engulfed in flames after the fire broke out near the roof this morning
Flames were seen shooting out from the roof of the 233 year-old Bank Buildings, which has recently undergone a refurbishment
Social media posts show huge plumes of black smoke above the building and billowing right across Belfast city centre.
The Bank Buildings were designed by Sir Robert Taylor and erected by Waddell Cunningham in 1785.
The original bank opened in 1787 under the name of ‘The Bank of the Four Johns’, as all four founders were named John.
After the bank collapsed, the building was used as the residence of the Bishop of Down and Connor.
In 1805, it was converted into a shop, and has remained an outlet for retail ever since. Primark took over the building in 1979.
A two-year refurbishment and extension of the building was due for completion next month, with Primark announcing plans to take on 100 new staff just last week.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service is currently in attendance, with 11 fire engines rushed to the scene
In a statement, a spokeswoman for the NIFRS said: ‘NIFRS received a call at 11am today to a fire on the top floor of the Primark building – a five-storey commercial property in the Castle Street area of Belfast.
’11 appliances are in attendance. The building has been evacuated.
‘The public are advised to avoid the Castle Street/Royal Avenue area whilst the incident is ongoing.’
Emer Hinphey tweeted: ‘Looks like a bad fire at the Primark building in Belfast City Centre.
‘Seeing the Fire Fighters move across to the roof is a scary reminder of the amazing and risky job they do.’
The Police Service of Northern Ireland also issued a warning to motorists to avoid the area.
A number of diversions are in place at Bridge Street, High Street, Castle Street and Queen’s Street as well as Royal Avenue and North Street to allow the fire service to deal with the ongoing incident.
Police have advised drivers to seek an alternative route. Primark added that the store was safely evacuated after a fire on the roof.
A two-year refurbishment and extension of the building was due for completion next month, with Primark announcing plans to take on 100 new staff just last week